1. The historically weak schedule reflects Rutgers’ goals for this season: Just compile wins and build confidence. It’s not about making the postseason, because this will be an albatross on the RPI (which is used by the NIT too). The strategy worked to boost morale last season, but that lineup included road games. Playing all 13 at home probably won’t help steel the team for the rigors of the road the way contests at Stony Brook and Seton Hall seemed to do in 2016.

2. What’s the purpose of opening with CCNY? Play an exhibition game instead. It’s a bad, bad look to include a non-Division I opponent in your season-ticket package, especially three years in a row.

3. This schedule is great for die-hard fans who want to see every game and will enjoy the easy wins, but the crowds will be tiny, and understandably so. I’ve been the media’s leading attendance scold, but I won’t blame anyone who sits these out -- with the exception of the annual rivalry showdown against Seton Hall.